Andy Cantillo, owner and head chef at Bayou Bay at 7117 Chapman Highway, understands that his restaurant is unlike anything else in our community. Authentic Cajun food is not something you will find anywhere else in South Knoxville, or far beyond the borders!

“People drive an hour to get here because you aren’t gonna pass another Cajun restaurant on your drive here!” says Cantillo.

In addition to offering a unique menu, Bayou Bay’s tried-and true recipes have been passed down through generations and have traveled to Tennessee by way of Louisiana and Florida.

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“We put our food up against anyone,” says Cantillo. “We are not gonna say we are best in the world – but we can hang with anyone!”

After opening 25 years ago on April Fool’s Day, Cantillo has changed very little about the food on the menu. A few entrees have been added and a few have been improved, but the traditional South Louisiana dishes have mostly remained the same.

“Customer favorites include our gumbo and our she-crab soup,” says Cantillo. “And fried, blackened or grilled grouper – the best way is grilled!”

Owner and head chef Andy Cantillo specializes in New Orleans cuisine.(Photo: Heather Robinson)

Cantillo does the large majority of the cooking himself, including the signature dishes jambalaya and his personal favorite, crawfish etouffee.

“Cajun cooking is unique,” says Cantillo. “I cook my jambalaya one way and other cooks will cook theirs in a totally different way – but it is all Cajun! Some people put the cover on the pot when they put the rice in, some don’t. Some turn the heat up, some turn it down. Variety is the spice of life!”

His knowledge of Cajun cuisine comes from a life of absorbing food culture everywhere his life has taken him. He has close friends at hand he can call whenever he needs to tweak a recipe.

“I am from South Louisiana!” says Cantillo. “When I have needed advice, I have called my cousins, my uncles, my mom…”

His proven recipes have derived from his roots in Louisiana and also a special friend he met when living in Panama City Beach. Cantillo worked at a popular seafood restaurant named Montego Bay and became lifelong friends with the now-retired owner, Roy Santini.

Cantillo would like everyone to know that there is something for everyone on the menu at Bayou Bay.

“A lot of people think Cajun food is hot and spicy, but real Cajun food has flavor,” says Cantillo. “Now if you want something hot and spicy, we have the spices here and we will kick it up for them and we do!”

This alligator-on-a-string has been "walked" around the restaurant by children for years.(Photo: Heather Robinson)

For those who are new to Bayou Bay, expect to be surprised by the extreme decor. Everything from stuffed alligators to strings upon strings of Mardi Gras beads adorn the walls. There is a crab net hanging from the ceiling that a customer found while walking on a beach years ago. Cantillo says the decor reflects his entire life.

“People come in and are amazed by the décor,” says Cantillo. “Kids come in and play ‘I Spy’ while looking up at our walls and ceilings. We are to the point that, to put something up something probably has to come down!”

Cantillo would like to extend an invitation to anyone who has never been before. He is sure that every visitor will enjoy the fun decor and the great food.

“If we can get them in here they will return,” says Cantillo.

Visit Bayou Bay for lunch or dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays. You can see their menu at www.bayoubayseafoodhouseknoxville.com